Page 34 of Sinner’s Game

“What?”

He shakes it off. “Nothing. Mind wandering. Do you dive?”

“I have, but it’s been ages.”

“The beach has excellent diving and easy access. I think I might even have a wetsuit that would fit you.”

“I don’t know. It’s been a very long time.”

“You don’t have to worry,” he assures me, his voice low and rough.

“Oh. Well, I guess we could.” I glance over his body, so much larger than mine, and once again, my mind goes straight to the gutter. Or, more accurately, to a bed.

What is wrong with me? Stress? Fear?

We talked about this not even an hour ago. Attraction, fine. Acting on the attraction? Not happening.

A fine and sensible plan, but apparently my libido is not yet on board.

It’s that kiss. That magical kiss. I swear, he cast a spell over me that night, and I’ve been lingering under its dark, sensual magic ever since.

And I have to say, it’s one heck of a spell. Because for the first time in my life, I understand the appeal of sex without strings.

And that’s not something I ever thought I’d say. But I want to feel safe. And for better or worse, that’s how Ronan makes me feel.

Chapter Twelve

“So that’s a no?” Ronan asks, making me realize I’ve been shaking my head.

“What?” My voice comes out squeaky.

“A no to SCUBA? Not that we’d really do it any time soon. I think we have different priorities at the moment.”

“Right. Yes. Priorities. Probably best not to—you know, dive in—right now. Haha.”

His brow furrows. “You okay?”

I nod, then shrug. “It’s been a very, very long day.”

“Oh, hell. I’m sorry. Of course it has.” He cocks his head toward the door. “Come on. Let’s get you settled in the house.”

We head back down the stairs to the garage level where Ronan grabs the overnight bag I’d quickly packed. Then we head into the courtyard. “You’ve seen the best view,” he says as we walk. “But tomorrow, I’ll take you to the edge. It’s stunning.”

I nod, imagining standing on the edge of the cliff looking down at the rocks and sand below. Honestly, it makes me a little dizzy, but I’m not sure if it’s the thought of falling … or the thought of falling for the man beside me.

I stifle a sigh, then follow him into the house. It’s dark, but as I expected, the entire back wall is glass, giving the illusion that we could walk across the living room and then just keep walking into the water, our path illuminated by the glow of the moon.

Regretfully, I turn away from this astounding view.

“This is amazing,” I say sincerely. I love the ocean. I was always jealous that Ellie grew up right on the beach while I was tucked away in the hills. And while I confess that I like the idea of stepping out my back door and digging my toes in the sand, there’s something compelling about Ronan’s place, too, with its lovely view and privacy from people who stroll along the beach through your backyard.

“Make yourself at home,” Ronan says, dropping my bag by the door. He gestures to one of the chairs. “Do you want something to drink? Or would you rather I show you your room?”

“Later’s fine. I think right now some wine would be great.”

“Can’t argue with that. Do you trust me, or do you want to come pick something out on your own?”

I offer him a small smile. “I trust you.” He matches it, and for a moment, our eyes meet. There was an awkwardness before, but it fades in the moment. Right now I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.